Diabetic Eye Exams

Living with diabetes affects more than just your overall health. It can also have a major impact on your eyes. At Friedman Optometry, we provide specialized eye care for individuals with diabetes, focusing on early detection, personalized treatment, and long-term protection of your vision.

How Diabetes Affects Your Vision?

Consistently high blood sugar can harm the blood vessels in your eyes. Over time, this damage may lead to fluid leakage, swelling, or abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. While these changes often don’t cause noticeable symptoms at first, they can eventually result in vision loss if left untreated.

Common Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain serious eye diseases, including:

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the retinal blood vessels, which can cause blurred vision and potential vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in adults between the ages of 25 and 64.

• Diabetic Macular Edema: Swelling in the central retina (macula) that affects sharp, detailed vision.

• Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve related to eye pressure, often without early warning signs.

• Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, which can develop earlier and progress faster in those with diabetes.

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive, dilated eye examination specifically designed to detect the earliest signs of diabetes-related eye disease. During the exam, our optometrist will look for changes in the blood vessels or signs of swelling, measure eye pressure to screen for glaucoma, and assess the lens for any signs of cataracts. These exams are a vital part of diabetic eye care, as they can reveal problems early, often before any noticeable symptoms develop.​​​​​​​

What Is a Diabetic Eye Exam?

A diabetic eye exam is a comprehensive, dilated eye examination specifically designed to detect the earliest signs of diabetes-related eye disease. During the exam, our optometrist will look for changes in the blood vessels or signs of swelling, measure eye pressure to screen for glaucoma, and assess the lens for any signs of cataracts. These exams are a vital part of diabetic eye care, as they can reveal problems early, often before any noticeable symptoms develop.

How Often Do You Need a Diabetic Eye Exam?

You shouldn’t wait until vision changes occur to schedule an exam. Many diabetic eye diseases progress silently in their early stages, allowing damage to occur before symptoms appear. Most individuals with diabetes should have a diabetic eye exam at least once a year. This allows us to monitor changes over time and address concerns promptly.

Those with existing eye disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or poorly controlled blood sugar may need more frequent exams. Pregnant women with diabetes should also have additional eye exams during pregnancy to protect their vision.

Protect Your Vision with Proactive Care at Friedman Optometry

Diabetes can significantly impact your vision, but with proactive monitoring and the right care, you can lower your risk of serious eye problems. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye conditions can lead to permanent vision loss and are among the most common causes of blindness in working-age adults.

The good news is that diabetic eye disease is also one of the most preventable causes of blindness. With regular exams, early detection, and timely treatment, most people can preserve their vision and avoid the most severe outcomes.

Schedule your diabetic eye exam with Friedman Optometry today and take the first step toward protecting your vision for the future.